Endorphins: Nature’s Pain Reliever and Mood Enhancer

OPTUM HCC

Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate specific areas of the body and activate nerves that send signals to the brain. This process enhances the production and release of natural pain relievers, endorphins.

Endorphins are often released in response to activities like exercise, excitement, eating spicy foods or experiencing pain. Their pain-relieving properties contribute to improved mood and:

• Strengthening immune system • Enhancing the body's ability to fight off illness

• Improving cardiovascular health

• Rejuvenating aging blood vessels

• Promoting anti-aging effect

• Preventing premature aging

• Pain relief

• Enhancing memory and cognitive function

• Improvingmentalclarityand memory retention Different brain waves are associated with various states of mind. During the day, beta waves dominate, often linked to stress. At night, alpha waves take over, promoting relaxation. Alpha waves can also be generated when awake during moments of love, happiness or deep relaxation.

Another important hormone, dynorphin, is released during profound emotional experiences, such as hearing inspiring music or falling in love. These moments trigger the production of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin.

Recent studies suggest that laughter can also boost a production of endorphin and aid in healing various illnesses.

Endorphin production could also be increased by certain foods such as dark chocolate, bananas and milk.

Incorporating endorphinboosting habits into a daily life through exercise, laughter and a healthy diet could lead to health and happiness.

To learn more about balancing the hormones through acupuncture, consult Dr. Yeung H. Kwon at Leisure World Optum HealthCare Center.

—Dr. Yeung H. Kwon, L.Ac, OMD, Ph.D.